An adapter for use with a digital to analogue television signal decoder

Abstract

An adapter for use with a digital to analogue television signal decoder, the adapter comprising input means for receiving a digital video stream encoded according to a first format at a first bit rate, conversion means for converting the received digital video stream from the first format to a second format different from the first, and output means for outputting a converted digital video stream encoded according to the second format at a second bit rate higher than the first.

1 . An adapter for use with a digital to analog television signal decoder, the adapter comprising input means for receiving a digital video stream encoded according to a first format at a first bit rate, conversion means for converting the received digital video stream from the first format to a second format different from the first, and output means for outputting a converted digital video stream encoded according to the second format at a second bit rate higher than the first. 
   
   
       2 . The adapter of  claim 1 , wherein the digital to analog television signal decoder is a set top box. 
   
   
       3 . The adapter of  claim 1 , wherein the first format compresses the digital video stream more than the second format. 
   
   
       4 . The adapter of  claim 1 , wherein the second format is MPEG-2. 
   
   
       5 . The adapter of  claim 1 , wherein the first format is MPEG-4. 
   
   
       6 . The adapter of  claim 1 , further comprising attachment means for attaching the adapter to the digital to analog television signal decoder. 
   
   
       7 . The adapter of  claim 6 , wherein the output means includes a plug adapted to cooperate with a socket of the digital to analog television signal decoder. 
   
   
       8 . The adapter of  claim 1 , wherein the input means is arranged to receive the digital video stream from a network